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NCAA Preview: No. 1 Maryland

by Nelson Coffin | Special to Lacrosse Magazine
Online

The February issue of Lacrosse Magazine
features an extensive NCAA lacrosse preview, from Division I
through Division III, plus in-depth features on the top-ranked
Syracuse men and the snake-bitten Cal women. Lacrosse Magazine
Online (laxmagazine.com) examines the key players,
strengths, weaknesses, best- and worst-case scenarios, sleepers,
what's new, what's not and rival coaches' takes on each of the top
10-ranked teams in Division I men's and women's lacrosse.

KEY PLAYERS

A Karri Ellen Johnson (Jr.)
A do-it-all first-team All-American, as adept in shooting (52
percent) and scoring (69g) as she is on draw controls (71) and
caused turnovers (24). "From a coach's perspective, she's just fun
to watch — so creative and an outstanding shooter-scorer,"
Reese said.

A Sarah Mollison (Sr.)
Playmaker produced 45g, 30a and totaled 29 draw controls. "Sarah
has been on three (Australian) World Cup teams," Reese said.
"That's a lot of experience that can really help us." Looking to
raise .450 shooting rate.

M/D Katie Gallagher (Sr.)
Defensive anchor returns to backline after missing last season due
to injury. Big things expected from current captain who started all
but one game for the ACC champion Terps in 2009. Might have to
become more offensive-minded to help Terps overcome loss of steady
Brittany Jones.

STRENGTHS

• Loads of talent at both ends — and middle
— of field keeps opposing coaches up at night
• Medical redshirts' return

WEAKNESSES

BEST CASE

No McFadden? No problem. Promising sophomore Alex Aust and
newcomer Brooke Griffin pick up the slack in seamless transition to
keeping the midfield mighty.

WORST CASE

Lack of leadership causes Terps to stumble along without the
focus all defending champs need to repeat.

SLEEPER

D Iliana Sanza (Soph.)
Interception in closing moments against Northwestern keyed
victory. “She was an absolute stud in the championship
game,” Reese said. Still accelerates with the best of them,
despite knee injuries at St. Paul’s School for Girls (Md.)
and with the Terps.

RIVAL COACH'S TAKE

"Maryland is the team to beat. Winning and having that mental
confidence of being the national champion really allows you to take
your game to the next level. You know you can do it. That belief is
very strong in getting people to buy in."

"They didn't lose that much. They're a tremendous athletic team.
They're the team to beat. They lost some big guns, but they have a
lot returning. They're big and athletic and fast. They'll have
another tremendous year."

"They lost a lot of kids, but this is a team that plays free and
together. They're not going to be upset if they give up some goals
because they feel like they can score against anybody."

WHAT'S NEW?

An emphasis on defense could make the usually high-powered Terp
offense take a back seat to a refurbished, rejuvenated and reliable
backline.

WHAT'S NOT?

As usual, Maryland is well represented on the U.S. national team
with current players Poist and Schwartzmann joining grads Acacia
Walker and McFadden.

29

Maryland was only 29th in the nation in draw controls last
season, averaging just 13 per game.